The Parkhead side were dumped out of the Champions League play-offs in midweek thanks to a 5-1 aggregate defeat by Arsenal, but enthusiasm returned yesterday when the draw for UEFA's revamped second tournament took place in Monaco.

Celtic defender Danny Fox was among the optimists, claiming the Hoops could replicate their run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final.

However, his manager was more careful when analysing the teams barring Celtic's path out of Group C.

"When I said after the game against Arsenal that none of the teams in the Europa League would be as strong as them, that was a fair comment," said Mowbray.

"We go into it hoping we can do well but we are very respectful of the teams that are in there.

"There are some really good European teams, and the expectations of Roma and Villarreal will also be very high.

"They have Champions League pedigree in recent years.

"I also saw Hamburg do very well against Manchester City last season, and they have some talented players.

"They are a big club with a lot of money spent on their footballers, so it's a great challenge for us.

"We are looking to be competitive, but I am not going to put an unnecessary burden on the players."

Fox was a bit more bullish, saying: "It's a tough draw and it will be a tough test - but we are looking forward to it.

"We went to Moscow in the Champions League, and nobody gave us a chance. We beat them and went through to the Arsenal game.

"We played a nice style of football in Moscow - and if we can do that in the Europa League then we can definitely go all the way."

Meanwhile, Mowbray revealed Stephen McManus will be in his squad for tomorrow's Clydesdale Bank Premier League match at Hibernian.

The Celtic manager quashed speculation the Hoops captain, who has recovered fully from a knee injury, will be moving to Ipswich - before confirming he is back in contention.

Midfielder Landry N'Guemo returns after suspension. But Massimo Donati is missing and is expected to complete his transfer to Bari.

Hibs boss John Hughes has revealed his plan to turn Easter Road into a "fortress", for Mowbray's return to the club.

Tomorrow's match is Mowbray's first against the Edinburgh club since he left for West Brom almost three years ago.

While Hughes is predicting a warm welcome off the field, he hopes it will be a different story on it.

"We're trying to create a place where people are not wanting to come - that fortress," he said.

"My boys will tell you - they'll be right out of the starting blocks and taking the game to Celtic."

Hughes hopes to take advantage of any ill effects from Celtic's Champions League exit, adding: "We'll maybe catch them cold."